The Teaching and Learning Innovation (TLI) Series features presentations and workshops with practical takeaways, to assist faculty and academic staff in creating effective learning environments that promote student success.
Goals include:
- sharing knowledge and new ways of thinking about classroom and academic instruction,
- presenting innovative strategies to engage students in their own learning experience,
- providing ideas for small teaching changes that have a transformational impact, and
- fostering opportunities for dialogue between peers, focused on teaching, learning, and scholarship.
New content is offered every semester. Peruse current offerings and sign up here, suggest a TLI session here, and review past sessions below.
Teaching Essentials
Accessibility and Inclusivity Considerations
Animals on Campus
Facilitators: Lauren Keeler, Assistant Counsel, and Kelly Cogar, Senior Director for the Center for Student Accessibility
Date: March 19, 2024
Description: The Animals on Campus Policy aims to promote a safe, non-threatening and healthy work environment for the members of the University community and to protect the University’s physical assets. EKU prohibits individuals from bringing animals on any University owned or controlled buildings, structures, or athletic fields, with a few notable exceptions under the law. These exceptions are for Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals. This presentation, followed by a question and answer session, will aim to clarify the Policy and present attendees with valuable information in order that we all can continue to follow the Policy and its procedures.
Outcomes: Attendees will learn more about EKU’s Animals on Campus Policy, including the difference between Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals, handler responsibilities, pets on campus, and how to respond in common scenarios involving animals in the classroom, etc.
University Policy: 1.3.1POL: Animals on Campus
Link to Recording
Link to Slides
Building Inclusive Classrooms: Identifying and Addressing Subtle Acts of Exclusion
Facilitators: Erin Stevenson and Chase Powell
Date: February 12, 2024
Description: Our student population at EKU is incredibly and wonderfully diverse. We see their unique identities developing in our classrooms as they work out how they want to be as young adults and what they want to contribute to the world. Hurdles to this development often come in the form of subtle acts of exclusion, otherwise known as microaggressions. As faculty, it is our responsibility to set the tone and model expectations for dialogue and interaction with the students. By understanding the rapidly evolving language around identities we become more aware of the intersectionality of backgrounds and cultures in our classrooms. Participants in this session will gain an understanding of the importance of recognizing and supporting diverse identities (ex. racial identity, cultural identity, gender identity, sexuality, religious identity, etc.). To illustrate our points, we will share insights from recent focus groups with LGBTQ students at EKU. The session will discuss tangible ways to create an inclusive classroom environment by recognizing subtle acts of exclusion and addressing microaggressions occurring in the classroom from either ourselves or students. Participants will be given additional resources to support continued learning.
Link to Recording
Link to Slides
Advising
Faculty Advising Resources
Facilitator: Bethany Warner
Date: September 19, 2023
Description: The Degree Works Planner is a great advising tool to engage students and help keep them on track in meeting their program requirements and progressing toward graduation. In this session, Bethany Warner, Director of the Office of Advising and Career Services, will provide faculty advisors with Degree Works Planner training, share resources, and answer any questions you may have to support your advisees.
Link to Recording
Appreciative Advising
Facilitator: Charlie Hughes
Date: March 24, 2023
Description: This presentation will review approaches from appreciative advising (Bloom, Hutson, & He, 2008). In addition, this session will discuss how this appreciative advising approach can inform decision-making not only in academic advising sessions but also in teaching preparation and instruction.
Link to Recording
Demystifying Study Abroad
Facilitator: Jennifer White
Date: March 2, 2023
Description: Learn the details of how study abroad works at EKU and what’s available for different majors so that you can talk with your students and advisees about how study abroad works at EKU! Learn the answers to common questions about the types of study abroad courses available, transferring academic credit from international programs, using financial aid, applying for scholarships, and more.
Link to Recording
Back to Basics
Creating Authentic Assessments
Facilitator: Embry Jacobs
Date: March 25, 2024
Description: In this session, we’ll explore the development and assessment of authentic assessments to enhance both your in-person and online courses. By providing opportunities for learners to apply real-world skills, tackle field-specific challenges, and generate professional-grade work, your courses will gain relevance in the lives and careers of your students. Walk away with a practical framework and tools to efficiently craft memorable assessments that resonate with your learners!
Link to Recording
Link to Slides
How to Write Better Test Questions
Facilitator: Cindy Hayden
Date: February 13, 2024
Description: This presentation will cover how to develop fair, reliable, and valid exam questions. We will discuss principles that guide construction of tests using backward course design and exam blueprinting. Administering exams will be investigated including how to insure exam security, use of proctors, and deterring academic misconduct. We will continue by determining poorly worded questions and answers after students have taken the test and what to do about it. The conclusion of the presentation will focus on post exam review and feedback to students.
Link to Recording
Writing and Using Learning Objectives
Facilitator: Cindy Tran
Date: January 29, 2024
Description: Learning objectives at the program, course, module, and assignment level are the clear guidelines we give students about what is expected of them for successful understanding of the material. But how often are they the after-thought in course preparation or are not included at all? This interactive workshop will examine Bloom’s and Fink’s taxonomies as strategies for writing learning objectives as well as demonstrate methods for integrating clear learning objectives into courses. Attendees are asked to bring an example of a course-level learning objectives to work with in this workshop.
Link to Recording
Strategies for Preserving Academic Integrity
Panelists: Cindy Tran, Cindy Judd, Matthew Winslow, Chris Daniel, Benjamin Freed, and Jeff Reed
Date: March 21, 2023
Description: Many faculty have recently observed an increase in academic integrity violations within their courses and have been working to counter these through several methods. In this workshop, faculty will describe course innovations they have implemented to build meaningful assignments and activities that leverage students’ intrinsic motivation to do the assignments rather than look for shortcuts as well as provide strategies for classroom discussion surrounding academic integrity.
Link to Recording
Enhanced Engagement
GoReact: An Interactive Tool for Student Learning, Feedback, and Application
Facilitators: Bill Thornburgh & Emily Zuccaro
Date: April 18, 2023
Description: This session will describe a versatile, interactive technology tool that can be used in a variety of disciplines. We will walk through the use of a software program called GoReact and how instructors may use it in the classroom. We will also illustrate the program’s ability to promote student learning in real-world situations and how instructors can provide accurate and specific feedback, leading to improved student application. We will conclude with a discussion where attendees can brainstorm how to incorporate GoReact into their teaching setting.
Link to Recording
What Can We Learn from Thank-a-Professor, Round 2?
Facilitators: Laurel Schwartz and Krista Kimmel
Date: April 10, 2023
Description: Text-only discussion boards are torturous for students & instructors. The video-based methodology allows students to use a variety of applications (essential due to the variety of operating systems & hardware they have) that have found success over several semesters since implementation.
Link to Recording
Too Much Text: A Narrated PowerPoint for Blackboard Discussion Board Posts
Facilitator: David Stumbo
Date: April 3, 2023
Description: Text-only discussion boards are torturous for students & instructors. The video-based methodology allows students to use a variety of applications (essential due to the variety of operating systems & hardware they have) that have found success over several semesters since implementation.
Link to Recording
Reviewing Classroom Strategies for Student Engagment
Facilitator: Charles Hughes
Date: March 29, 2023
Description: Student engagement in the classroom is vital as part of the learning process. Are you looking for different ways to engage students in the classroom? This presentation will focus on answering this question and will review literature related to student engagement and explore how these strategies could be applied in the classroom setting.
Link to Recording
Building Students’ Teamwork Skills
Facilitator: Cindy Hayden
Date: February 8, 2023
Description: College educators and employers both place high value on teamwork skills needed in professional careers. This TLI will discuss various ways of providing opportunities for students to be part of a team within an existing course. Faculty will discuss ways of developing teams and grading students’ participation as a team member. Faculty will design and share short and long-term assignments or projects that require interaction with other students, individual and group accountability, group processing, and teamwork skills. Teamwork skills include communication, time management, group problem-solving, listening, critical thinking, resolving conflicts and negotiating, collaboration, leadership, and having fun!
Link to Recording
Active Learning for the Technical Classroom
Facilitator: Cindy Tran
Date: September 8, 2023
Description: Technical fields often require students to interpret diagrams, sketch and explain how machinery or a process works, and use specific terminology. These topics typically have a “right” answer that you want to solidify in students’ minds and is not open to debate or alternate interpretations. It can be hard to see how this material can be presented through small group discussions and other active learning techniques, but I assure you – they can! Come join us for a hands-on demonstration of strategies to teach terminology, diagrams, and complex processes that can transform a technical lecture into an active experience and improve student engagement in the classroom.
Link to Recording
Increasing Participation Using Class Preparation Assignments (CPAs)
Facilitators: Amanda Green and Jamie Shaffer
Date: September 13, 2023
Description: Getting students to come to read and come to class prepared has become more and more of a challenge in recent times. In this session, the presenters will discuss their experiences using Class Preparation Assignments, or CPAs, to improve class participation. CPAs are particularly useful in providing initial exposure to class concepts, which can then be more effectively explored via class activities and active learning techniques. Best practices when implementing CPAs will also be addressed.
Link to Recording
Empowering Students after the Fall Break Slump
Facilitators: Lara Vance and Starr Wentzel
Date: October 4, 2023
Description: Fall Break is approaching! For many students this can be a time to reset — some return refreshed, but for others, instructors might see decreased momentum. How can we help motivate our students to develop resilience, even when they are experiencing anxiety? This session will discuss creating a classroom environment that fosters support while also communicating with students that struggle and effort should be part of the learning experience.
Link to Recording
Pedagogical Approaches
Open Pedagogy
Facilitators: Kelly Smith and Jill Parrott
Date: March 6, 2024
Description: It may surprise you to learn that most faculty who adopt OER end up being more excited about the pedagogical opportunities afforded them by OER than the cost savings for students. After attending this interactive session, you will be able to define open educational resources (OER), open pedagogy, and OER-enabled pedagogy, identify some potential benefits of teaching with OER, and apply open pedagogy strategies in the courses you teach.
Link to Recording
TILT Certificate Series, Part 1
Facilitator: Rusty Carpenter
Date: August 29, 2023
Description: Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) is used to describe ways in which faculty can be transparent in their teaching practices to encourage and enhance the student learning experience. The TILT approach also encourages student engagement, interest, and buy-in. Faculty who have used transparent approaches have noted that they not only led to student success but also helped with organizing course material(s), maintaining a student learner-centered approach, and assessing student learning. In this session, participants will review seven foundational ideas of transparent approaches, explore examples of transparent assignments, and review models of transparent concepts in practice. Participants will begin to develop transparent practices for use in their courses.
Link to Recording
TILT Certificate Series, Part 2
Facilitator: Rusty Carpenter
Date: September 5, 2023
Description: Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) is used to describe ways in which faculty can be transparent in their teaching practices to encourage and enhance the student learning experience. The TILT approach also encourages student engagement, interest, and buy-in. Faculty who have used transparent approaches have noted that they not only led to student success but also helped with organizing course material(s), maintaining a student learner-centered approach, and assessing student learning. In this session, participants will review seven foundational ideas of transparent approaches, explore examples of transparent assignments, and review models of transparent concepts in practice. Participants will begin to develop transparent practices for use in their courses.
Link to Recording
Relationship-Rich Educational Series, Part 1
Facilitator: Casey Humphrey
Date: September 7, 2023
Description: Relationship-Rich Education (RRE) is a pedagogical approach that focuses on building human connections in order to promote student engagement and encourage success within the classroom. While Felton and Lambert’s (2020) content on RRE focuses strongly on the benefits to undergraduate students, the strategies that they discuss can be implemented throughout the entirety of the higher education experience. Participants will review the four overarching principles of RRE, explore examples of implementation of RRE within a variety of settings including pilots implemented by EKU faculty, and discuss methods of overcoming challenges of implementing RRE in a variety of sizes and styles of courses. In the first session, participants will begin to develop a pilot to introduce one or more RRE strategies into one of their courses. In the second session, participants will analyze piloted activities that were implemented into their course and discuss successes and challenges to continuing to implement RRE in the future.
Link to Recording
Relationship-Rich Educational Series, Part 2
Facilitator: Casey Humphrey
Date: November 16, 2023
Description: Relationship-Rich Education (RRE) is a pedagogical approach that focuses on building human connections in order to promote student engagement and encourage success within the classroom. While Felton and Lambert’s (2020) content on RRE focuses strongly on the benefits to undergraduate students, the strategies that they discuss can be implemented throughout the entirety of the higher education experience. This is the final session in this two-part certificate series. In this session, participants will analyze piloted activities that were implemented into their course and discuss successes and challenges to continuing to implement RRE in the future.
Link to Recording
Serving Differently Abled Students
Best Practices – Supporting Students Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Facilitator: Katie Moore
Date: February 2, 2023
Description: In this presentation, ASLIE professor Katie Moore will share strategies for ways that faculty can create a welcoming and effective learning environment for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Link to Recording
Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Facilitators: Myra Beth Bundy and Lara Vance
Date: September 15, 2023
Description: Bring your lunch and join us at the FCT&L or online as we discuss ways to support our students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Learn more about these disorders and gain some tools for interaction.
Link to Recording
Serving Diverse Student Populations
Do you have information you’d like to share with colleagues about how best to serve our veterans, LGBTQIA+ students, and first-generation college students? Submit a proposal here and one of our staff members will be in touch!
Textbook Adoption
Textbook Adoption Tips and Tricks
Facilitators: Rin Farrar, Lee Griesheimer, and Kelly Smith
Date: September 27, 2023
Description: With winter and spring textbook adoptions right around the corner, consider attending the TLI: Textbook Adoption Tips & Tricks session. Rin Farrar from Barnes & Noble, Lee Griesheimer from the Center for Student Accessibility, and Kelly Smith from the Libraries will discuss some considerations in adopting textbooks. Learn how to re-adopt texts from a previous term, how to add new material and options for choosing “no text required” or “OER” in the online adoption portal. Learn about library alternatives to traditional adoptions, such as using textbooks that are available in eBook format or open educational resources (OER). Learn about the benefits and drawbacks of different formats. For example, what happens if you choose the electronic format and one of your students has an accommodation and needs it in print format or vice versa?
Link to Recording
The What and Why of Open Educational Resources (OER)
Facilitator: Kelly Smith
Date: August 31, 2023
Description: Booksmart has been a fantastic initiative that has saved our students millions of dollars and ensured that all students have access to their books on Day One. It has also eliminated one of the big incentives for faculty to consider adopting Open Educational Resources (OER). So why should faculty still consider adopting or creating OER? What are some benefits of OER beyond student cost savings? Did you know that research has consistently shown that OER are associated with increased student outcomes, especially for first-generation, Pell recipients, non-traditional, and non-white groups? And early research into inclusive access models are not demonstrating similarly significant outcomes? This TLI will provide attendees with a straightforward explanation of what OER actually are, an overview of recent research, and an exploration of the benefits of supplementing your courses with OER or replacing traditional textbooks altogether.
Link to Recording
Finding and Evaluating OER for Course Adoption
Facilitator: Kelly Smith
Date: September 14, 2023
Description: Ready to explore Open Educational Resources (OER) for your classes? This TLI will cover some quick strategies for locating OER, determining the copyrights they allow, and evaluating their quality. Learn how you can contribute to the OER movement by publicly reviewing these resources, or even suggesting improvements to authors. Finally, we will discuss ways to include alternative resources such as public domain works and library-subscribed resources in your course or assignment re-designs.
Link to Recording
Modifying and Creating Open Educational Resources
Facilitators: Laura Edwards, Kelly Smith, and David Stumbo
Date: March 8, 2023
Description: This session was presented as part of the Teaching and Learning Innovation Series on Open Educational Resources at Eastern Kentucky University.
Link to Recording
Writing Course Proposals
How to Craft an Honors Proposal
Facilitators: David Coleman and Randi Polk
Date: August 24, 2023
Description: Five longtime contributing faculty to EKU Honors will discuss the ways in which they have used honors seminars as venues to experiment with new teaching ideas and approaches and discuss the impact that honors teaching has had on their long-term development and growth as innovative classroom instructors. Honors administrators will also explain the process of proposing new seminar offerings for EKU Honors.
Link to Recording
Faculty Scholarship, Service, and Well-Being
Scholarship
Library Bites: Tools for Saving and Organizing References
Facilitators: Kelly Smith and Cindy Judd
Date: September 12, 2023
Description: This session was presented as part of the Teaching and Learning Innovation – Library Bites series at Eastern Kentucky University.
Link to Recording
How to Create, Build, and Maintain Your Personal Brand Online
Facilitator: Jim Blair
Date: August 30, 2023
Description: Participants will go through an exercise on establishing their personal brand and how to obtain their future career goals. Then participants will go through best practices for promoting themselves and their network online using social media platforms (primarily focusing on LinkedIn).
Link to Recording
Service
Well-Being
Navigating the Stressors and Stretchers of Teaching
Facilitator: Mike Lane
Date: January 25, 2024
Description: This session will outline the basics of the stress response and how to effectively challenge your students and yourself without overwhelming either party. It will give tactics to find the optimal approaches for your class while avoiding burnout and exhaustion.
Link to Recording
The Troubling Trend of Faculty Burnout
Facilitators: Jamie Shaffer, Jennifer Fairchild, and Shirley O’Brien
Date: March 28, 2023
Description: According to burnout researcher Dr. Rebecca Pope-Ruark (2022) burnout is caused by chronic and unrelenting workplace stress. Three common symptoms of burnout are “overwhelming exhaustion, feelings of cynicism and detachment from the job, and a sense of ineffectiveness and lack of accomplishment” (Maslach et al., 2001, p. 399). This session will explore concepts from Dr. Pope-Ruark’s new book, Unraveling Faculty Burnout: Pathways to Reckoning and Renewal, with a specific focus on causes of burnout in higher education and what the author calls “four pillars of burnout resilience” (p. 19).
Link to Recording